THE fact Celtic can still qualify for the Europa League knockout stages despite suffering their second defeat in a fortnight to opponents currently languishing in sixth place in the Norwegian top flight will ensure Ronny Deila survives this loss.

Incredibly, Deila’s side can, despite drawing two and losing two of their four Group A games so far, still progress to the last 32 if they win their remaining fixtures against Ajax at home and Fenerbahce away.

Yet, the Scottish champions will be unable to overcome either their Dutch or Turkish rivals if they produce another disjointed performance like the one they did against Molde.

Especially if they defend so inadequately. Celtic have now conceded no fewer than 14 goals in their last six outings in Europe this season. That is hardly the form of a side which is capable of competing in the knockout rounds.

It told a story that Kieran Tierney, an 18-year-old who was playing in only his second match at this level, was by some considerable distance their best defender and probably their best player as well.

The manager trudged off the field at Celtic Park last night after a second successive reverse to his countrymen with the boos and jeers of their own supporters ringing in their ears.

The disenchantment with him will intensify unless there is a stark improvement in their next outing in this competition in three weeks’ time.

“We have scored goals in every game in this group, but we concede too easy and that is the main challenge we have,” admitted Deila.

“I’m not going to make excuses for that, it is something we have to handle and something we have to do better. That’s how it is.”

Celtic’s chances of prevailing had appeared to be boosted before kick-off when Jozo Simunovic, who had been struggling with an ankle injury, declared himself fit to play. The Croatian took his place in the centre of the defence alongside Dedryck Boyata.

The 21-year-old, a £5.5 million capture at the end of the summer transfer window, has performed encouragingly in his limited appearances for his new club.

Simunovic, though, only lasted six minutes before hobbling off. He was replaced by Tyler Blackett in what seemed at the time, given how woefully Efe Ambrose had performed in the previous two games, a gamble worth taking.

Celtic had two goals by Nir Bitton and Leigh Griffiths disallowed in the first 15 minutes. Assistant referee Bojan Ul incurred the wrath of the home fans when he adjudged that Kris Commons and Griffiths had been offside. Ul, though, was correct with both decisions.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were fortunate to remain level given how ferociously Deila’s charges attacked them early on. But they should have taken the lead on the counter attack in the 19th minute when Tommy Hoiland broke through on goal.

The winger failed to control the ball and Craig Gordon gathered. It was a near thing for Celtic. But it was the first of many sloppy defensive lapses. Indeed, just two minutes later they gifted their opponents their opening goal as a result of some more slack play at the back.

Blackett headed a Knut Olav Rindaroy cross straight to Mohamed Elyounoussi who chested it down before rifling a volley beyond Gordon. The time and space he was given to steady himself and unleash his shot was appalling.

Molde, though, were only in front for five minutes. Commons got a slight touch onto a Bitton shot and cleverly diverted it past goalkeeper Ethan Horvath to quickly drag his side level.

The Scottish champions’ frailties at the back resulted in them falling behind once again seven minutes before half-time.

Daniel Berg Hestad got in front of Tom Rogic, whose bright form of late deserted him on what was a disappointing night for the Australian midfielder and several of his team mates, and prodded home from a couple of yards out.

Hestad is, at the age of 40, in his 20th season with Molde. However, the central midfielder showed no signs of old age as he zipped up the field and netted.

Kris Commons failed to reappear for the second half - the scorer had pulled his hamstring in the opening 45 minutes - and he was replaced by James Forrest.

Deila’s side had two excellent chances to level in the second half. One was denied by an excellent save from Ethan Horvath and the other was squandered by Griffiths.

Armstrong picked out Mikael Lustig in the opposition area on the hour mark and the right back’s downward header appeared to be going in the bottom right corner of goal before a brilliant intervention by the Horvarth.

In 75 minutes Stefan Johansen - who had failed to impose himself as much on the game as Scott Brown, who he had replaced in central midfield, ordinarily does – supplied Griffiths in the box. The on-form centre forward chested the ball down well but shot wide.

It was to be one of those nights for the hosts. Bitton received a straight red card from referee Slavko Vincic for barging over Ola Kamara as they both chased down the ball a minute later.

Deila had substituted substitute Blackett in the 69th minute and thrown on Nadir Ciftci in an attempt to snatch an equaliser. But even going with two players up front made no difference to his side.

It is at the back, however, where the real problems exist for Celtic.